Meadow is a square phone that eliminates distracting apps, and I really want one.
We are all familiar with that experience. You settle down for dinner, tuck your phone away, and within five minutes, you find yourself checking it without any real reason. With attention-grabbing apps like TikTok and Instagram, remaining present can be challenging.
To help us overcome our smartphone dependencies, a new range of devices has been introduced that simplifies the smartphone experience, providing access only to necessary apps. However, I believe many of these phones are overly simplistic.
Meadow is a new device aimed at addressing this issue by achieving an ideal balance between functionality and minimalism. It serves as a secondary smartphone that offers the essentials: your phone number, maps, music, a camera, ride-hailing apps, and little else.
What are Meadow’s capabilities?
Setting up Meadow requires less than five minutes. You connect it to your current phone number, enabling you to make and receive calls without needing a new SIM card or an additional number. Your primary phone can be completely powered off, and you will still receive calls.
Once set up, you can choose your apps from a curated selection of essentials. It supports most key applications, including Strava, Spotify, Google Maps, Uber, and a notes application.
Meadow
Although the specifications may not be crucial for these types of devices, here’s what is listed on their website. They do not specify the processor, so I presume it is a low-end model, which aligns with its pricing.
Size & Weight: 1.3 in x 2 in x 0.4 in, 4 oz
Screen: 3” TFT LCD
Camera: 13MP ultrawide rear camera
Connectivity: 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC
Capacity: 128GB storage, 6GB memory
Battery: 1-2 days of battery life with fast charging
Materials: 100% recycled polycarbonate exterior
Consider what you typically use your smartphone for: texting and calling, listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks, navigation, and ride-hailing. Meadow addresses all these fundamental tasks, ensuring that you won't feel limited by it, unlike other simple smartphones I have tried previously.
Should you consider purchasing one?
Meadow retails for $399 and is expected to ship in June 2026, with free returns if it doesn’t meet your needs. There is also a $10/month subscription that provides unlimited photo storage, calls, and texts.
It’s unclear from their website whether this subscription is optional. However, it is free for the first nine months, giving you plenty of time to test the service.
Meadow
Meadow is not intended to replace your smartphone, which is precisely the point. It is designed for those moments when you want your device to do less. If you find yourself aimlessly scrolling when you vowed not to, Meadow might be worth considering.
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Meadow is a square phone that eliminates distracting apps, and I really want one.
Meadow is a secondary device priced at $399 that provides access to your phone number, maps, music, and camera, while excluding social media, work emails, and notifications.